An examination of physical exercise as an adjunct treatment for depressive symptoms in adults aged 65 years and older
- Authors: Miller, Kyle
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In light of impending demographic shifts and projected strain on healthcare systems, this thesis set out to progress our putative understanding of the benefits of physical exercise on mental health in older adults aged 65 years and over. Herein, four studies of divergent research design interrogated the current knowledge base relating to the potential benefits of exercise in older adults with depressive symptomology. Study 1 set out to establish preliminary experimental evidence that four years of unsupervised aerobic exercise can improve cardiorespiratory function (determined by VO2max) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in lifelong sedentary ageing men compared with lifelong exercising athletes. Results demonstrated preliminary proof of concept for exercise-induced benefits on cardiorespiratory function and HRQL in ageing men. Study 2 surveyed community-dwelling older adults (n = 586) to establish a hierarchy of exercise-associated factors to predict depressive symptomology. Contrary to expectation, exercise behaviour did not confer additional antidepressant effect, but was substantially predicted by exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support (f2 = 0.993). Study 3 pooled evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to quantitatively compare the treatment effectiveness from aerobic, resistance and mind-body exercise training in older adults with pre-existing clinical depression, whereas Study 4 followed the same methodology in apparently health older adults without pre-existing clinical depression. Using network meta-analytical techniques, both clinical depressed (g = -0.41 to -1.38) and apparently healthy (g = -0.27 to -0.51) older adults demonstrated equivalent effectiveness for aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise interventions, with encouraging levels of study compliance. Taken together, these findings encourage personal exercise preference when prescribing either aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise as a treatment adjunct for clinical depression and older adults with symptoms thereof. The sum of works herein provide new knowledge to guide exercise prescription for stakeholders in mental health and older adults over 65 years.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Miller, Kyle
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: In light of impending demographic shifts and projected strain on healthcare systems, this thesis set out to progress our putative understanding of the benefits of physical exercise on mental health in older adults aged 65 years and over. Herein, four studies of divergent research design interrogated the current knowledge base relating to the potential benefits of exercise in older adults with depressive symptomology. Study 1 set out to establish preliminary experimental evidence that four years of unsupervised aerobic exercise can improve cardiorespiratory function (determined by VO2max) and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in lifelong sedentary ageing men compared with lifelong exercising athletes. Results demonstrated preliminary proof of concept for exercise-induced benefits on cardiorespiratory function and HRQL in ageing men. Study 2 surveyed community-dwelling older adults (n = 586) to establish a hierarchy of exercise-associated factors to predict depressive symptomology. Contrary to expectation, exercise behaviour did not confer additional antidepressant effect, but was substantially predicted by exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support (f2 = 0.993). Study 3 pooled evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to quantitatively compare the treatment effectiveness from aerobic, resistance and mind-body exercise training in older adults with pre-existing clinical depression, whereas Study 4 followed the same methodology in apparently health older adults without pre-existing clinical depression. Using network meta-analytical techniques, both clinical depressed (g = -0.41 to -1.38) and apparently healthy (g = -0.27 to -0.51) older adults demonstrated equivalent effectiveness for aerobic, resistance, and mind-body exercise interventions, with encouraging levels of study compliance. Taken together, these findings encourage personal exercise preference when prescribing either aerobic, resistance, or mind-body exercise as a treatment adjunct for clinical depression and older adults with symptoms thereof. The sum of works herein provide new knowledge to guide exercise prescription for stakeholders in mental health and older adults over 65 years.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Marketing up the wrong tree? Organisational perspectives on attracting and/or retaining older adults in sport
- Jenkin, Claire, van Uffelen, Jannique, O'Sullivan, Grant, Harvey, Jack, Eime, Rochelle, Westerbeek, Hans
- Authors: Jenkin, Claire , van Uffelen, Jannique , O'Sullivan, Grant , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol. 3, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Community sport is seen as a suitable setting for physical activity for different population groups. Older adults (aged 50+ years) are a rapidly growing population group. Physical activity is critical for healthy ageing, however sport participation rates for older adults are very low. The aim of this study was to investigate how sporting organisations perceive sport for older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed 171 representatives from Australian National and State Sporting Organisations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results and the three sporting organisation categories' (high, medium, and low participation) responses were compared using non-parametric statistics. Contextualised in the perspective of organisational change, a framework for marketing to the ageing consumer was used to interpret the results. Older adults are not a high priority group for most sporting organisations, however the benefits of engaging older adults were recognised, particularly in context of increasing participation numbers. A lack of age-appropriate programmes was perceived to be a major barrier of engaging older adults. This lack of programmes stems from older adults being deemed as a less attractive segment than other age groups for sporting organisations. Modifications that sports felt they could make to attract and/or retain older adults included specific marketing and age appropriate opportunities. There was widespread consensus across sporting organisations, suggesting that perceptions of older adult sport participation were comparable across the sector, such as increasing participation numbers and engaging their older fan base. In the context of attracting, and retaining, older adults in sport clubs, it was concluded that most sporting organisations are not (yet) ready to build “age friendly” sporting environments. There is very limited literature on the organisational perspective of older adults and sport, meaning this study is unique in the field. Although sport policy encourages organisations to grow their participation, most organisations do not actively and strategically engage older adults. This research provides an understanding of why this untapped market is not a priority target and provides comprehensive insights for policy makers to better engage with this population group. Copyright © 2021 Jenkin, van Uffelen, O'Sullivan, Harvey, Eime and Westerbeek.
- Authors: Jenkin, Claire , van Uffelen, Jannique , O'Sullivan, Grant , Harvey, Jack , Eime, Rochelle , Westerbeek, Hans
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living Vol. 3, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Community sport is seen as a suitable setting for physical activity for different population groups. Older adults (aged 50+ years) are a rapidly growing population group. Physical activity is critical for healthy ageing, however sport participation rates for older adults are very low. The aim of this study was to investigate how sporting organisations perceive sport for older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed 171 representatives from Australian National and State Sporting Organisations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the results and the three sporting organisation categories' (high, medium, and low participation) responses were compared using non-parametric statistics. Contextualised in the perspective of organisational change, a framework for marketing to the ageing consumer was used to interpret the results. Older adults are not a high priority group for most sporting organisations, however the benefits of engaging older adults were recognised, particularly in context of increasing participation numbers. A lack of age-appropriate programmes was perceived to be a major barrier of engaging older adults. This lack of programmes stems from older adults being deemed as a less attractive segment than other age groups for sporting organisations. Modifications that sports felt they could make to attract and/or retain older adults included specific marketing and age appropriate opportunities. There was widespread consensus across sporting organisations, suggesting that perceptions of older adult sport participation were comparable across the sector, such as increasing participation numbers and engaging their older fan base. In the context of attracting, and retaining, older adults in sport clubs, it was concluded that most sporting organisations are not (yet) ready to build “age friendly” sporting environments. There is very limited literature on the organisational perspective of older adults and sport, meaning this study is unique in the field. Although sport policy encourages organisations to grow their participation, most organisations do not actively and strategically engage older adults. This research provides an understanding of why this untapped market is not a priority target and provides comprehensive insights for policy makers to better engage with this population group. Copyright © 2021 Jenkin, van Uffelen, O'Sullivan, Harvey, Eime and Westerbeek.
Agile ageing – A modifiable vital sign to mitigate the risk of falls in older adults?
- Ogilvie, Madeleine, Wallen, Matthew, Talpey, Scott
- Authors: Ogilvie, Madeleine , Wallen, Matthew , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Hypotheses Vol. 148, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Falls prevention in older adults is a targeted priority because a fall can lead to disability, institutionalisation and presents a signficant financial burden. Falls are multifactoral in nature however, impairments in both physical and cognitive functioning have been linked to their occurrence. Currently, testing and exercise training for falls prevention focuses on physical qualities such as balance and strength. Agility is a unique physical quality that couples an individuals perceptual cognitive ability with the ability to produce a quick and accurate movement. Agility is relatively well understood in a sporting context however, its application to falls prevention has been minimal. Because a fall may occur while an individual is perceiving information from the dynamic environment around them while attempting to execute a rapid and accurate movement it is hypothesised that concepts and methods used to assess and train agility in athlete populations can be use to improve practices related to the screening and training to mitigate the risk of a fall in an older adult. © 2021
- Authors: Ogilvie, Madeleine , Wallen, Matthew , Talpey, Scott
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Hypotheses Vol. 148, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Falls prevention in older adults is a targeted priority because a fall can lead to disability, institutionalisation and presents a signficant financial burden. Falls are multifactoral in nature however, impairments in both physical and cognitive functioning have been linked to their occurrence. Currently, testing and exercise training for falls prevention focuses on physical qualities such as balance and strength. Agility is a unique physical quality that couples an individuals perceptual cognitive ability with the ability to produce a quick and accurate movement. Agility is relatively well understood in a sporting context however, its application to falls prevention has been minimal. Because a fall may occur while an individual is perceiving information from the dynamic environment around them while attempting to execute a rapid and accurate movement it is hypothesised that concepts and methods used to assess and train agility in athlete populations can be use to improve practices related to the screening and training to mitigate the risk of a fall in an older adult. © 2021
Anhedonia and anergia predict mortality in older Australians living in residential aged care
- Greenfield, L., Mathews, Stephanie, Toukhsati, Samia
- Authors: Greenfield, L. , Mathews, Stephanie , Toukhsati, Samia
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Aging and Mental Health Vol. 26, no. 3 (2022), p. 614-622
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Depression is common in older adults and is linked to morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether specific symptoms of depression (dysphoria, anhedonia and anergia) predicted mortality in older Australian Aged Care residents. Methods: Eighty older adults (M = 83.16 ± 7.14) without cognitive impairment residing in 14 Residential Aged Care facilities located in Melbourne, Australia, completed the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale—Short Form (GDS-15) and the Standardized Mini Mental State Examination. Residential Aged Care facilities provided the primary end-point of all-cause mortality at follow-up (M = 5.4 years ± 0.1). Results: Univariate Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox Proportional Hazards regression analyses were used to evaluate whether symptoms of depression predicted all-cause mortality, with known prognostic factors controlled. The results indicated that anhedonia (Hazard Ratio = 2.931 [95% CI 1.278–6.722], p =.011) and anergia (Hazard Ratio = 2.783 [95% CI 1.065–7.276], p =.037) were associated with almost a threefold increased risk of mortality in older adults living in RAC in adjusted analyses. Dysphoria did not predict mortality. Conclusions: These findings advance understanding of the mortality risks of anhedonia and anergia in an understudied population. Symptoms of anhedonia and anergia should be targeted for screening in older adults living in Aged Care to increase the detection and potential for referral to treatment for depressive presentation. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Taking charge at any age: Learning and wellbeing by older men through community organisations in Australia
- Authors: Golding, Barry
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Adult Learner Journal: The Irish Journal of Adult and Community Education Vol. 2011, no. (2011), p. 26-40
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper examines and compares learning narratives associated with older men's participation in three community organisations in an Australian rural setting: an adult and community education provider, an emergency service organization and an aged care facility. The interview data are from a larger Australian study of learning in community settings by older men (age 50+ years of age). The paper examines what factors influence older men's learning and wellbeing through community organisations. It concludes that preferred learning for older men in community organisations is typically through group participation in practical situations for pragmatic purposes. Community organisations aside from education providers are shown to provide critically important opportunities for older men to actively redefine and recreate personal meanings and rapidly changing identities beyond those developed through paid work.
- Description: This paper examines and compares learning narratives associated with older men's participation in three community organisations in an Australian rural setting: an adult and community education provider, an emergency service organization and an aged care facility. The interview data are from a larger Australian study of learning in community settings by older men (age 50+ years of age). The paper examines what factors influence older men's learning and wellbeing through community organisations. It concludes that preferred learning for older men in community organisations is typically through group participation in practical situations for pragmatic purposes. Community organisations aside from education providers are shown to provide critically important opportunities for older men to actively redefine and recreate personal meanings and rapidly changing identities beyond those developed through paid wo
- Description: 2003009304
- Authors: Golding, Barry
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: The Adult Learner Journal: The Irish Journal of Adult and Community Education Vol. 2011, no. (2011), p. 26-40
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper examines and compares learning narratives associated with older men's participation in three community organisations in an Australian rural setting: an adult and community education provider, an emergency service organization and an aged care facility. The interview data are from a larger Australian study of learning in community settings by older men (age 50+ years of age). The paper examines what factors influence older men's learning and wellbeing through community organisations. It concludes that preferred learning for older men in community organisations is typically through group participation in practical situations for pragmatic purposes. Community organisations aside from education providers are shown to provide critically important opportunities for older men to actively redefine and recreate personal meanings and rapidly changing identities beyond those developed through paid work.
- Description: This paper examines and compares learning narratives associated with older men's participation in three community organisations in an Australian rural setting: an adult and community education provider, an emergency service organization and an aged care facility. The interview data are from a larger Australian study of learning in community settings by older men (age 50+ years of age). The paper examines what factors influence older men's learning and wellbeing through community organisations. It concludes that preferred learning for older men in community organisations is typically through group participation in practical situations for pragmatic purposes. Community organisations aside from education providers are shown to provide critically important opportunities for older men to actively redefine and recreate personal meanings and rapidly changing identities beyond those developed through paid wo
- Description: 2003009304
Linking people and activities through community mobility : an international comparison of the mobility patterns of older drivers and non-drivers
- Unsworth, Carolyn, Dickerson, Anne, Gélinas, Isabelle, Harries, Priscilla, Margot-Cattin, Isabel, Mazer, Barbara, Stapleton, Tadhg, Swanepoel, Lizette, Timmer, Amanda, Niekerk, Lana, Vrkljan, Brenda
- Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Dickerson, Anne , Gélinas, Isabelle , Harries, Priscilla , Margot-Cattin, Isabel , Mazer, Barbara , Stapleton, Tadhg , Swanepoel, Lizette , Timmer, Amanda , Niekerk, Lana , Vrkljan, Brenda
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ageing and Society Vol. 42, no. 8 (2022), p. 1938-1963
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Community mobility using private and public transportation is important for maintaining health, social participation and living well in later life. This international cross-sectional cohort study (N = 246) reported on the health and driving status of older adults from seven countries where the mobility patterns of drivers and non-drivers were compared in terms of city and rural areas, weather, as well as their respective differences in the number of out-of-home places accessed and quality of life. Older adults participated in a semi-structured interview and completed four standardised instruments: the EQ-5D-5L, modified PULSES health profile, modified Transportation Questionnaire, and the Transport - Participation in Activities and Places Outside the Home. Results suggested inclement weather and place of residence negatively impacted out-of-home activities but did not increase use of public transportation. Drivers accessed more out-of-home activities than non-drivers, suggesting higher community participation among this group, and quality of life was generally high among all participants, but slightly higher for drivers. Findings indicate that a complex myriad of factors can influence community mobility in older adults and further investigations are needed to understand patterns of transport in later life, particularly with regard to those factors that promote and maintain transport mobility, and relationships between transport mobility, community participation and quality of life. Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press.
- Authors: Unsworth, Carolyn , Dickerson, Anne , Gélinas, Isabelle , Harries, Priscilla , Margot-Cattin, Isabel , Mazer, Barbara , Stapleton, Tadhg , Swanepoel, Lizette , Timmer, Amanda , Niekerk, Lana , Vrkljan, Brenda
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ageing and Society Vol. 42, no. 8 (2022), p. 1938-1963
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Community mobility using private and public transportation is important for maintaining health, social participation and living well in later life. This international cross-sectional cohort study (N = 246) reported on the health and driving status of older adults from seven countries where the mobility patterns of drivers and non-drivers were compared in terms of city and rural areas, weather, as well as their respective differences in the number of out-of-home places accessed and quality of life. Older adults participated in a semi-structured interview and completed four standardised instruments: the EQ-5D-5L, modified PULSES health profile, modified Transportation Questionnaire, and the Transport - Participation in Activities and Places Outside the Home. Results suggested inclement weather and place of residence negatively impacted out-of-home activities but did not increase use of public transportation. Drivers accessed more out-of-home activities than non-drivers, suggesting higher community participation among this group, and quality of life was generally high among all participants, but slightly higher for drivers. Findings indicate that a complex myriad of factors can influence community mobility in older adults and further investigations are needed to understand patterns of transport in later life, particularly with regard to those factors that promote and maintain transport mobility, and relationships between transport mobility, community participation and quality of life. Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press.
Out the back : Men's sheds and informal learning
- Brown, Michael, Golding, Barry, Foley, Annette
- Authors: Brown, Michael , Golding, Barry , Foley, Annette
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Fine Print Vol. 31, no. 2 (2008), p. 12-15
- Full Text: false
- Description: Some experts say a mental state of relaxed concentration - when the brain produces alpha waves - is the most conducive to learning. Perhaps this is why the friendly atmosphere and ambience in men's sheds supports the process of informal learning. This paper discusses aspects of men's learning derived from the authors' study of mostly older men who are coming together, talking, working and socialising in community sheds across Australia. The paper looks at the social, informal and autonomous learning and considers the significance of the community work-like settings. Mentoring, coaching, 'sitting next to George' and 'hanging out on the periphery' are common forms of social pedagogical interaction in these contexts as are group discussion, conversations and low-key questioning. In this paper the mostly older men's learning is analysed as a subset of lifelong learning. The participants in the study are mostly older men: some retired, some recovering from illness or injury, others unable to find full-time paid work. However all share a social space and an undefined but common purpose that due to ageing bodies and faculties is sometimes illusionary as much as real, but that is loosely focused around regular, hands-on participation in traditional, male-orientated, goal-directed activities. Considered highly significant to participation in the learning and group activities is the development of male friendships referred to as 'mateship' amongst men in Australia. These friendships develop through participation and inclusion in activity that occurs in social and community spaces. The authors' research shows that access to, and inclusion in, these male-orientated group spaces provides an avenue for the development of friendships, trust, support and reciprocity. Through the research the authors found that the associated learning and life- stage development that occurs in these environments leads to self- reported improvements in happiness, health and wellbeing, and feelings of social connection. The participants in this study are generally considered to be a missing group or cohort in adult education. It also picks up on the trend in Australia about 'a remarkable explosion in individualised, self-directed and autonomous forms of learning that have occurred without involving adult educators'. Considered central to this study were the places, spaces and faces. [Author abstract, ed]
- Description: 2003006456
Suicidality among older Australian adults
- Klein, Britt, Shandley, Kerrie, McLaren, Suzanne, Clinnick, Lisa, Nguyen, Huy
- Authors: Klein, Britt , Shandley, Kerrie , McLaren, Suzanne , Clinnick, Lisa , Nguyen, Huy
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 10, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Vulnerability to suicidality is a concern among older adults, particularly as this proportion of the population is growing. Determining what factors contribute to suicidality will help to create a framework for understanding and assessing suicidal risk among older adults and developing effective treatments. This study examined suicidality among older Australian adults. Methods: This study forms part of a larger study to trial a survey to collect cross-sectional data on the mental and physical health of older Australian adults across time. One hundred and fourteen Australian residents aged 65 years and over completed an anonymous survey online or by returning a paper-and-pencil version of the survey by post. The survey took approximately 25 min to complete and comprised of (1) sociodemographic questions (e.g., age, gender, education), (2) validated questionnaires measuring depression, general anxiety, psychological distress, insomnia, substance dependence, problem gambling, and stress, and (3) mental and physical health and wellbeing items (e.g., religiosity, assistance with daily tasks, and mental health service usage in the last 12-months). The dependent variable, suicidality, was measured by asking participants whether they had ever seriously thought about committing suicide. Results: Associations with suicidality were analyzed using Chi-squares and independent samples t-tests. The results found suicidality to be significantly associated with lower levels of satisfaction with the frequency of seeing and/or communicating with friends, and inadequate levels of community engagement. Conclusion: The results of this survey reinforce the importance of social connectedness as a central and significant protective factor against suicidality among older adults. Copyright © 2023 Klein, Shandley, McLaren, Clinnick and Nguyen.
- Authors: Klein, Britt , Shandley, Kerrie , McLaren, Suzanne , Clinnick, Lisa , Nguyen, Huy
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in Public Health Vol. 10, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Vulnerability to suicidality is a concern among older adults, particularly as this proportion of the population is growing. Determining what factors contribute to suicidality will help to create a framework for understanding and assessing suicidal risk among older adults and developing effective treatments. This study examined suicidality among older Australian adults. Methods: This study forms part of a larger study to trial a survey to collect cross-sectional data on the mental and physical health of older Australian adults across time. One hundred and fourteen Australian residents aged 65 years and over completed an anonymous survey online or by returning a paper-and-pencil version of the survey by post. The survey took approximately 25 min to complete and comprised of (1) sociodemographic questions (e.g., age, gender, education), (2) validated questionnaires measuring depression, general anxiety, psychological distress, insomnia, substance dependence, problem gambling, and stress, and (3) mental and physical health and wellbeing items (e.g., religiosity, assistance with daily tasks, and mental health service usage in the last 12-months). The dependent variable, suicidality, was measured by asking participants whether they had ever seriously thought about committing suicide. Results: Associations with suicidality were analyzed using Chi-squares and independent samples t-tests. The results found suicidality to be significantly associated with lower levels of satisfaction with the frequency of seeing and/or communicating with friends, and inadequate levels of community engagement. Conclusion: The results of this survey reinforce the importance of social connectedness as a central and significant protective factor against suicidality among older adults. Copyright © 2023 Klein, Shandley, McLaren, Clinnick and Nguyen.
Virtual care initiatives for older adults in Australia : scoping review
- Savira, Feby, Gupta, Adyya, Gilbert, Cecily, Huggins, Catherine, Browning, Colette, Chapman, Wendy, Haines, Terry, Peeters, Anna
- Authors: Savira, Feby , Gupta, Adyya , Gilbert, Cecily , Huggins, Catherine , Browning, Colette , Chapman, Wendy , Haines, Terry , Peeters, Anna
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Medical Internet Research Vol. 25, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: There has been a rapid shift toward the adoption of virtual health care services in Australia. It is unknown how widely virtual care has been implemented or evaluated for the care of older adults in Australia. Objective: We aimed to review the literature evaluating virtual care initiatives for older adults across a wide range of health conditions and modalities and identify key challenges and opportunities for wider adoption at both patient and system levels in Australia. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AgeLine, and gray literature (January 1, 2011, to March 8, 2021) to identify virtual care initiatives for older Australians (aged
- Authors: Savira, Feby , Gupta, Adyya , Gilbert, Cecily , Huggins, Catherine , Browning, Colette , Chapman, Wendy , Haines, Terry , Peeters, Anna
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Medical Internet Research Vol. 25, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: There has been a rapid shift toward the adoption of virtual health care services in Australia. It is unknown how widely virtual care has been implemented or evaluated for the care of older adults in Australia. Objective: We aimed to review the literature evaluating virtual care initiatives for older adults across a wide range of health conditions and modalities and identify key challenges and opportunities for wider adoption at both patient and system levels in Australia. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, AgeLine, and gray literature (January 1, 2011, to March 8, 2021) to identify virtual care initiatives for older Australians (aged
The quality of older adults’ involvement in clinical communication with general practitioners : evidence from rural towns in Australia
- Hamiduzzaman, Mohammad, Siddiquee, Noore, Gaffney, Harry, Aziz Rahman, Muhammad, Greenhill, Jennene
- Authors: Hamiduzzaman, Mohammad , Siddiquee, Noore , Gaffney, Harry , Aziz Rahman, Muhammad , Greenhill, Jennene
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Health Journal Vol. 7, no. 4 (2023), p. 186-193
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: A study was conducted about the putative links of older rural Australians’ health knowledge and preparation with their quality of involvement in patient-general practitioner (GP) communication during health intake visits. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study between January 2021 and April 2022. The 32-item quality of involvement in communication scale was designed and incorporated into the SurveyGizmo software. This online survey was administered by sending an email request to the Renmark Rotary Club, which actively promoted this study across five rural towns in South Australia. 121 participants completed the surveys. Mean-sum scores were calculated based on the questionnaire responses to evaluate outcomes, specifically initiation of information, active participation, and emotional expression. We employed different methods including t-tests, ANOVA, and leaner regressions to analyse data. Results: The demographic profile of participants characterised by a female predominance (58.7%, 71/121), a majority falling within the 65‒< 70 age bracket (47.1%, 57/121), and a high level of educational attainment (58.7% had completed high school or higher, 71/121). Additionally, 35% of the participants predominantly spoke a language other than English at home. Regarding the initiation of information with GPs, the mean sum-score was (20.5 ± 3.7), indicating a marginally above-average level of engagement. Contrarily, the active participation was suboptimal, as suggested by a mean sum score of (35.9 ± 6.3). Furthermore, the emotional expression was relatively low, with a mean score of (13.9 ± 1.8). Substantial variations were discerned in the quality of patient-GP communication, contingent upon factors such as educational background, language spoken at home, health literacy, and preparatory measures for clinical visits. Participants who predominantly spoke a language other than English at home demonstrated significantly lower levels of information initiation with their GPs (P < 0.001). Higher educational attainment was positively correlated with increased active participation (P < 0.001). Enhanced health literacy and thorough visit preparation were significantly associated with increased levels of active participation (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Meaningful engagement through recognition, empowerment, and support (health literacy programs) for older rural adults is suggested for improving their quality of involvement in communication with GPs. © 2023
- Authors: Hamiduzzaman, Mohammad , Siddiquee, Noore , Gaffney, Harry , Aziz Rahman, Muhammad , Greenhill, Jennene
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Health Journal Vol. 7, no. 4 (2023), p. 186-193
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: A study was conducted about the putative links of older rural Australians’ health knowledge and preparation with their quality of involvement in patient-general practitioner (GP) communication during health intake visits. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study between January 2021 and April 2022. The 32-item quality of involvement in communication scale was designed and incorporated into the SurveyGizmo software. This online survey was administered by sending an email request to the Renmark Rotary Club, which actively promoted this study across five rural towns in South Australia. 121 participants completed the surveys. Mean-sum scores were calculated based on the questionnaire responses to evaluate outcomes, specifically initiation of information, active participation, and emotional expression. We employed different methods including t-tests, ANOVA, and leaner regressions to analyse data. Results: The demographic profile of participants characterised by a female predominance (58.7%, 71/121), a majority falling within the 65‒< 70 age bracket (47.1%, 57/121), and a high level of educational attainment (58.7% had completed high school or higher, 71/121). Additionally, 35% of the participants predominantly spoke a language other than English at home. Regarding the initiation of information with GPs, the mean sum-score was (20.5 ± 3.7), indicating a marginally above-average level of engagement. Contrarily, the active participation was suboptimal, as suggested by a mean sum score of (35.9 ± 6.3). Furthermore, the emotional expression was relatively low, with a mean score of (13.9 ± 1.8). Substantial variations were discerned in the quality of patient-GP communication, contingent upon factors such as educational background, language spoken at home, health literacy, and preparatory measures for clinical visits. Participants who predominantly spoke a language other than English at home demonstrated significantly lower levels of information initiation with their GPs (P < 0.001). Higher educational attainment was positively correlated with increased active participation (P < 0.001). Enhanced health literacy and thorough visit preparation were significantly associated with increased levels of active participation (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Meaningful engagement through recognition, empowerment, and support (health literacy programs) for older rural adults is suggested for improving their quality of involvement in communication with GPs. © 2023
A long and winding road : Autonomous men's learning through participation in community sheds across Australia
- Brown, Michael, Golding, Barry, Foley, Annette
- Authors: Brown, Michael , Golding, Barry , Foley, Annette
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 38th Annual SCUTREA Conference, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK : 2nd-4th July 2008 p. 78-86
- Full Text:
- Description: This paper discusses aspects of men's learning derived from our study of mostly older men who are coming together, talking, working and socialising in community sheds across Australia (Golding et al 2007). The paper looks at the social, informal and autonomous learning and considers the significance of the community "work-like" settings (author abstract)
- Description: 2003006465
- Authors: Brown, Michael , Golding, Barry , Foley, Annette
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 38th Annual SCUTREA Conference, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK : 2nd-4th July 2008 p. 78-86
- Full Text:
- Description: This paper discusses aspects of men's learning derived from our study of mostly older men who are coming together, talking, working and socialising in community sheds across Australia (Golding et al 2007). The paper looks at the social, informal and autonomous learning and considers the significance of the community "work-like" settings (author abstract)
- Description: 2003006465
Shedding some new light on gender : Evidence about men's informal learning preferences from Australian men's sheds in community contexts
- Golding, Barry, Foley, Annette, Brown, Michael
- Authors: Golding, Barry , Foley, Annette , Brown, Michael
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 37th Annual SCUTREA Conference, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland : 3rd-5th July 2007 p. 169-176
- Full Text:
- Description: Our research identifies some gender-related implications of men gathering, learning and sharing skills in shed-based community contexts with a raft of positive outcomes. (author abstract)
- Description: 2003005528
- Authors: Golding, Barry , Foley, Annette , Brown, Michael
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the 37th Annual SCUTREA Conference, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland : 3rd-5th July 2007 p. 169-176
- Full Text:
- Description: Our research identifies some gender-related implications of men gathering, learning and sharing skills in shed-based community contexts with a raft of positive outcomes. (author abstract)
- Description: 2003005528
Assessment of powered mobility device use among older australians in residential aged care facilities
- Authors: Dickson, Natalie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Autonomous mobility is fundamental for older Australians to participate in the activities that occupy and inspire daily life. Should a mobility difficulty arise, a powered mobility device (PMD) can assist to supplement or restore mobility, choice, and control. A PMD continues to be a valued resource once a person moves into residential aged care. However, increasing frailty among people within this group means that incidents can result in serious injury for PMD users or others living, visiting, or working in this environment. Guidelines for PMD use are available, however, there are no regulations or mandates to seek professional guidance for assessment of competence, equipment prescription, or training. Occupational therapy theory and practice can support all parts of this process. This thesis presents a three-part study using a mixed methods approach to (i) examine PMD use related incidents and injuries within residential aged care, (ii) to evaluate existing measurement tools, and (iii) to develop and undertake initial validation of a new screening tool developed for residents who use PMDs, based on classical test theory (De Vellis, 2006). The new screening tool will address a gap identified among screening tools for PMD capacity and performance skills specific to this population, to improve the balance between much needed autonomy and safety for all stakeholders.
- Description: Master of Health (Research)
- Authors: Dickson, Natalie
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Autonomous mobility is fundamental for older Australians to participate in the activities that occupy and inspire daily life. Should a mobility difficulty arise, a powered mobility device (PMD) can assist to supplement or restore mobility, choice, and control. A PMD continues to be a valued resource once a person moves into residential aged care. However, increasing frailty among people within this group means that incidents can result in serious injury for PMD users or others living, visiting, or working in this environment. Guidelines for PMD use are available, however, there are no regulations or mandates to seek professional guidance for assessment of competence, equipment prescription, or training. Occupational therapy theory and practice can support all parts of this process. This thesis presents a three-part study using a mixed methods approach to (i) examine PMD use related incidents and injuries within residential aged care, (ii) to evaluate existing measurement tools, and (iii) to develop and undertake initial validation of a new screening tool developed for residents who use PMDs, based on classical test theory (De Vellis, 2006). The new screening tool will address a gap identified among screening tools for PMD capacity and performance skills specific to this population, to improve the balance between much needed autonomy and safety for all stakeholders.
- Description: Master of Health (Research)